Will There be a Big Bump in Deer Hunt Permits in Maine

Maine wildlife regulators will soon decide if they want to increase the number of deer hunting permits by 60 percent following a mild winter.

The state's Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife has said more than 45,000 "any deer" permits are proposed for the coming fall hunting season. A state advisory council is going to vote on whether to approve the proposal on Wednesday.

State biologists have said the moderate winter allowed for the increase in hunting permits. Harsh winters in previous years have had the reverse effect, culling the deer herd and requiring less hunting.

Hunters who don't have one of the "any deer" permits are only allowed to shoot deer that have antlers.

The permits would be available in 18 of Maine's 29 wildlife management districts.